Science –Hibernation ~ Ciencia–Hibernación

Learning About Hibernation ~ Aprendizaje acerca de hibernación

By Connie Goldin, LMFT

What is “hibernation?” Who hibernates in your neighborhood and county?

Hibernation refers to a long sleep that many animals have in cold or super hot times that enables them to survive without food and water. Bears are the best known animals that hibernate. However, they actually are in “torpor” not “hibernation.” This means that they are in a deep sleep but they can wake up if they need to.

In San Diego County, there are many creatures that have short hibernations since we have a mild climate. Rattlesnakes, ground squirrels, and Western Pond Turtles are some of our local wild animals that hibernate. For our adventure in learning about hibernation we have two art projects for young children featuring a squirrel in a hole in the ground, and a friendly “toddler turtle” for our youngest artists. There are also books to learn about these interesting creatures.